3 Important Steps To Take After You Buy Property With An Abandoned House

3 Minutes
Posted on:
19 March 2018

About Me

After struggling for years to figure out my finances, I finally made the decision to buckle down and start saving for a house. It was difficult at first, but I knew that I had to do whatever I could to get into a different place. I was tired of renting and I didn't want to live in someone else's house, so I began working with a real estate agent to figure things out. Within a few short months, I was able to find a great home that had the kinds of amenities I wanted. I decided to make a blog that reflected different real estate options people have, so here you are.

If you're looking for a real estate deal, buying a property with an abandoned house can often be a smart move. Although doing your due diligence in this type of purchase is absolutely paramount, there's value to be gained from this type of purchase. The right real estate agent can help you to find a lot with an abandoned home and help you to come up with a reasonable offer to buy it.

Often, the dwelling won't be salvageable, but you can pay to have it torn down and removed so that you can build a new home on the lot. Once you take possession of the property, there are several steps to take. Here are three that are especially important.

1. Board Up The House

One of the issues with abandoned houses is that homeless people and drug addicts often break in and use the dwelling as shelter. Once you become the owner, you don't want illegal activity on your property, nor do you want any issues that could result in a lawsuit. It's imperative to board up any access points to the house right away, even if you're planning to demolish it before long. A general contractor can affix durable sheets of plywood over the window and door openings, as well as ensure that no one can gain entry to the premises in any other manner.

2. Install Security Cameras

To further protect your investment, security cameras can be an asset. Mounting a couple of cameras, perhaps high on the house itself and in a tree on the property, can deter people from trespassing. Be sure to get cameras that have night vision, as many incidents of trespassing occur after dark. You may even wish to invest in a few dummy cameras. They don't actually record any footage, but they look the same as functional cameras and cost very little. Additionally, a large sign that tells people that trespassing is prohibited and that they're being recorded by your security cameras is a good idea.

3. Alert The Police

It doesn't hurt to also reach out to the local police force, which may be well aware of the property and its abandoned house. Explain that you're a new owner and that you have a zero-tolerance policy for trespassing or any other criminal actions on the property, and ask that they monitor the lot during their routine patrols. Officers may accept that homeless people congregate in abandoned homes, but if they know that you'll be rejuvenating the property, they'll be willing to help you keep it devoid of trespassers.